Exploring the Inca Trail: Latin America's Most Renowned Route
Choosing the Perfect Time for Your Trek on the Inca Trail
Essential Information for Tourists Accessing the Inca Trail
Discovering 4 Routes to Machu Picchu via the Inca Trail
Packing Guide: What to Bring on Your Inca Trail Adventure
Insights from Travelers and Guides: Reviews and Expert Advice
Did you know that the Inca Trail is among the top five tourist routes in the world? It's also the most visited route in Latin America and has been around since ancient times.
During the Inca Empire's existence (11th to 16th centuries), they constructed a network of over 40,000 kilometers (24,854 miles) of roads. These roads connected various regions of the vast empire, stretching from northern Quito (Ecuador) in the south to Santiago (Chile) and east to Mendoza (Argentina). The Inca roads consist of a network of stone paths, wide enough for two or three people to travel side by side. There are also narrower trails for accompanying llama caravans. The ascents and descents of the roads are also paved with sturdy stone steps.
Cusco was the heart of the great Inca Empire, and nearly all major mountain roads in the vicinity of Cusco were built or improved by the Incas. However, the most renowned segment of the road is the breathtaking 43-kilometer stretch that passes by archaeological landmarks and leads to the finest achievement of the Incas - the ancient city of Machu Picchu. For the past 30 years, this particular stretch has been known as the Inca Trail to Machu Picchu. It's an incredible experience that will take your breath away.
People who love adventure come from all corners of the world to experience the power of nature, enjoy the fresh mountain air, awaken their senses, renew their awareness, recharge their energy, test their endurance, and find a sense of calm and unity with nature.
The Inca Trail spans 43 kilometers and offers a variety of landscapes such as grassy plains, dense subtropical forests filled with ferns, orchids, and moss, steep stone steps for ascending and descending, ruins of Inca structures and agricultural terraces, dazzling views of snow-capped mountains and river valleys, and exposure to wind and sunlight. Each day of the journey is distinct, providing new vistas and experiences.
Once you arrive at your destination, the ancient lost city of Machu Picchu nestled in the mountains, you'll be met with stunning views of the Incas' most renowned creation. You'll also feel a sense of accomplishment for overcoming all the challenges of the journey.
Excursions on the Inca Trail are available all year round, except for February when the trail is closed. The most comfortable time to trek the route is between April and October, which falls within Peru's dry season and has a low chance of rain. However, if you plan to visit in January or March, please be aware that these months are part of the rainy season, which may affect the beauty of the trail.
The months of June, July, and August are considered the "high season," and group availability may be limited. To avoid disappointment, please ensure that you book your excursion several months in advance if you plan to travel during this period.
The average temperature in Cusco ranges from +66° to +70°F (+19° to +21°C) during the day and -2° to +7°F (-17° to +21°C) at night, year-round. In Machu Picchu, the average temperature is +66° to +79°F (+19° to +26°C) during the day and -1° to +12°F (-18° to -11°C) at night.
To hike the Inca Trail, it's important to know that only authorized tour operators are allowed to sell and lead the excursion. It's also mandatory to have a licensed guide, as solo tourists are prohibited.
The trail only permits 500 people daily, with only 200 of them being tourists, and the rest being guides, porters, and cooks. To secure your spot, it's necessary to book at least 5 months in advance. Tickets for the coming months are quickly sold out by tour operators, usually within a few hours after sales open, particularly during high season. Also, note that the Inca Trail is closed every February for annual cleaning and path restoration. To book your Inca Trail tour, make sure to plan ahead!
Book your Inca Trail tour
2 days - The Short Inca Trail
4 days - The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
5 days - Inca Trail 5-day Trek
7 days - The Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek
1. The Classic 4-day Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
One of the most popular routes to Machu Picchu is the "82nd-kilometer" trail. This route begins at the 82nd kilometer of the railway between Cusco and Machu Picchu and usually takes four days to complete, with arrival at Machu Picchu on the morning of the fourth day. While this route is of moderate difficulty, it's important to note that it involves significant changes in altitude, with some points reaching up to 4200 meters (13,780 feet) above sea level, and shifts in climatic zones. Therefore, it's essential to allow time for acclimatization before embarking on this excursion. If you are arriving from the coastal area, it's recommended to spend at least two full days in Cusco before beginning the trek.
Book the Classic Inca Trail tour for 4 days
2. The Inca Trail 5-day Trek
Difficulty Level: Moderate
This trek is very similar to the classic 4-day route, but there are some differences. Firstly, you'll get the chance to explore the Llactapata ruins and spend the night there. Secondly, you'll be staying at less crowded campsites with fewer tourists. Although you'll reach Machu Picchu on the afternoon of the 4th day, you'll most likely spend the night at a campsite in the Urubamba River valley or a hotel in Machu Picchu pueblo instead of entering the site right away. On the morning of the 5th day, you'll head to Machu Picchu.
The trek is challenging as you'll be covering 12-15 kilometers daily, which can be difficult due to altitude changes and shifts in climatic zones. This option is not as popular as the 4-day tour, but you'll still need to book in advance.
3. The Short Inca Trail, 2 days
Difficulty Level: Easy. No overnight camping
There are two alternatives for the Classic 4-day Inca Trail. The Short Inca Trail is the most popular and can be completed in 1 or 2 days. It starts downstream of the Vilcanota River at the 104th kilometer, closer to Machu Picchu. After reaching the town of Aguas Calientes in the evening on the first day, tourists spend the night in a hotel and head to Machu Picchu early in the morning. It is important to book spots in advance since the number of groups is limited for all routes.
Book the Inca Trail / 2 days
4. The Salkantay & Inca Trail Trek, 7 days
Difficulty Level: Challenging
The alternate path to Machu Picchu is notably more challenging than the traditional trail, as it involves hiking up to the Salkantay Glacier. Typically, the journey takes seven days, but a group of experienced and physically fit travelers can complete it in six.
The trail commences near Mollepata and follows the base of the Salkantay mountain for the first three days. On the fourth day, hikers merge with the classic Inca Trail, stopping at the archaeological sites of Runcuracay, Sayacmarca, Phuyupatamarca, and Wiñay Wayna before reaching Machu Picchu on the final day.
This route is exceptional, allowing you to appreciate nature, the magnificence of the Andes, and the legacy of the Incas.
As with any other Inca Trail option, advance booking is necessary.
What is included in the price of all treks:
Additional costs:
When getting ready for your trek, your priority should be to pack for various types of weather while keeping your luggage as light as possible. Your expedition will include passing through hot, humid tropical areas and cold, dry highland regions where you will sleep outdoors.
The best approach to clothing is to wear layers and take off anything you don't need.
If you happen to forget something, don't stress - you can likely purchase it in the cities you'll stop by during your journey (including a cozy alpaca wool sweater), so remember to bring some cash for any unexpected necessities.
List of recommended items:
Optional items available for rent on-site:
Even individuals who believe their physical fitness is top-notch can find this route to be a test of endurance. The challenges are not limited to uphill climbs but also include altitude sickness and temperature changes.
The route's altitude ranges from 2600 to 4200 meters (8,530 to 13,780 feet) above sea level, with Cusco at 3200 m / 10,500 ft and Machu Picchu at 2430 m / 7,972 ft above sea level. Therefore, it is crucial to prepare carefully for the effects of altitude sickness.
Here are some helpful tips from professional guides for your trek:
This type of tour is typically a once-in-a-lifetime experience, therefore it's important to ensure that everything runs as smoothly as possible.
1. Is it possible to hike the Inca Trail independently without a tour agency? – Unfortunately, no. The Peruvian government has implemented a regulation that only licensed tour operators are permitted to organize groups on the Inca Trail. These groups must be led by guides who have received permission from the UGM (Committee for the Management of the Historic Sanctuary of Machu Picchu).
2. What is the maximum size of a group? – Each group can consist of up to 16 individuals. For groups with over 10 people, an assistant guide must be present alongside the main guide.
3. Are there age restrictions for hiking the trail? – There are no official age restrictions, but tour operators do not accept reservations for children under 8 and adults over 67 years old. Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
4. What is altitude sickness, and how can it be prevented? – At an altitude of around 3,000 meters / 9,842 feet, it is normal to experience an increased heart rate and more frequent breathing due to the lack of oxygen. However, for some travelers, these symptoms can develop into serious altitude sickness (known as "soroche"), which may include headaches, loss of appetite, weakness, insomnia, and nausea. These symptoms usually occur during the first or second day at high altitudes. For more information, please refer to a separate article on the website.
If you have any queries, please feel free to get in touch with us. We would be more than happy to assist you.
Book your Inca Trail tour
Get in touch, and we’ll help you plan the adventure of a lifetime!
